A new study conducted by researchers at University Hospitals (UH) Connor Whole Health sheds light on the potential benefits of chiropractic spinal manipulation (CSM) for adults experiencing ongoing sciatica following low back surgery. The study, titled “Association between spinal manipulative therapy and lumbar spine reoperation after discectomy: a retrospective cohort study,” was recently published in BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders.

Different stretches have different functions. Some focus on a particular muscle or muscle group or limb, and improve movement. Others, sometimes referred to as ‘active’ stretches, are intended to increase strength. The following three exercises are designed to do both with your back:

During pregnancy, a woman’s body goes through many changes. obviously, it’s a wonderful phase of life. But it’s also a challenging time. Extra weight brings a shift to the center of gravity. This causes new sensations, and, in some cases, discomfort.

It’s good, of course, to keep all your muscles strong and limber. But the strength of the body’s core — the muscles in your belly and mid- and lower back — is one of the keys to long term health and stability as you grow older.

We are living longer and, if you play your cards right and have taken care of yourself, this is a wonderful thing. Good genes certainly help, but healthy lifestyle practices are just as important in continuing to live a productive life. Here are some tips the American Chiropractic Association recommends for aging with grace and health:

Managing the stress in your life — and most of us have it to one degree or another — is essential to keeping a healthy lifestyle.

Stress comes from many directions and makes itself known in a variety of ways. It might show up as a headache, tight muscles, nausea or back pain. It’s generally caused by outside factors, some obvious, like fretting over financial problems, and others not so much, maybe even planning for a joyous occasion like an impending wedding.

Walking may be, pound for pound, the most accessible, beneficial and inexpensive form of exercise available. The American Chiropractic Association recommends it as a way to stay fit.

Spinal manipulation is a primary therapy, but the number of treatment options is expanding.

Chiropractic is a system of therapy focused on the structure of the body, particularly the spine. Chiropractors manipulate the body’s alignment to relieve pain and improve function and to help the body heal itself.

Several non-pharmacological therapies — including spinal manipulation, therapeutic exercise, and relaxation techniques — are typically offered by chiropractors, and are recommended as first-line or adjunctive therapy for spinal pain. The utilization of chiropractic care has been reported to be associated with reduced risk of adverse drug events in adults with spinal pain. Large scale observational studies have found that chiropractic care is associated with decreased use of opioids.

The very nature of the job puts soldiers at an increased risk for developing chronic pain. The regular demands and stress are often multiplied when the tough-it-out mentality does not seek medical attention until serious, chronic pain results ... and it often does. Cumulative stress, single-event trauma, and surgery are all contributing factors. Although these will likely remain a constant of military service, chiropractic care may be a very helpful solution.